I was at The Round on Monday and an old friend, Noah, was performing. I've noticed something different about him in this past year. I can't be certain but he seems to have that oh so odd and desirable peace of mind; he has found rest in his faith I believe (as Keith Green once put it). One of his songs was this jubilant, nearly awkward piece that climaxed with the declaration: "this is the hour of my salvation." Another love song chimed, "Julie, Julie, meet me at your doorway." They were refreshingly simple and yet finespun songs of beauty and acceptance. The audience and I were quite charmed. It was delightful. I'd like to know this rest and acceptance. It has been some time since I've asked God for such things; perhaps I'll re-familiarize myself with yet more dangerous longings such as these.

&iforgothowwordscancutyouopen
"Nicole's Sunglasses"

I've caught myself and others criticize any worship that is done for emotional purposes. In other words, if I choose to sing and dance into the emotional beauty of the moment I am somehow whoring out God; he mustn't be interested in my words of adoration or praise if I am benefiting. Consequently, we believe that the best worship occurs when one forgets about the self and focuses on God. This certainly does occur at times, and our humility and repentance are moments of beauty as we submit ourselves to the Almighty, but why must we dismiss any of our own enjoyment or delight in worship as we sing words of truth and awe. Of course, God is not a whore, or a gum ball machine that gives me a rush when I put in my two bits, but ultimately, worship serves our own needs as humans, for God does not need us to cheer him up with our affirmations. We may also complain that a particular worship service or style doesn't "do it" for us, and then immediately condemn ourselves for such insecure or selfish desires. "It should be about God--not me." Yes and no. Our worship is realizing who God is and who we are, and discovering the marvel and mystery to such a relationship, this can be done well, it can feel closer to your tastes. I do not espouse any theology that places humans at the center, but I don't believe we are at our most Christ-like when we focus on God and do so by annihilating ourselves and our desires. To focus on God is to focus on ourselves too. (I'm not going to bludgeon any MHGS students with a 'both/and' here, but it does come to mind). In general, I think modern worship could use a good epicurean spike. So... would a parent condemn their child for enjoying a trip to the amusement park? Or preferring the roller coaster over the ferris wheel? Inferior metaphors I realize. Whatcha got?

&runawaywithyoutowardthelight
"Been Here Before"

My friend voiced concerns over the recent evangelical push for better environmental practices. The gist of the concern was that apparently much of Europe hopes we attend to the issues of global warming and in so doing, diminish our super-power economy. We wouldn't want that now, would we. I wonder how it came to be that our economic prowess and 'blessing' came to be the dominant value; particularly for those still hoping in the severely busted and antiquated model of Christendom. I recall a national address Bush gave following 9/11, encouraging Americans to do their part by going out and spending with confidence; thwart the will of the enemy through consumption. I thought that was our problem? I could argue that we consume whole nations--not that difficult an argument really. I contend that if you find yourself on the top of the heap you are probably not tending to the matters of the Creator because it costs time and resources to be a good steward. It is much cheaper to hire children or dump shit in the river. Ultimately, to steward the Earth will bring rewards, but I don't believe they are in the form of GNP. I know conservative evangelicals aren't exactly proud of our nation, but neither are the liberal evangelicals (drop the 'evangelical' and I'm certain the statement remains true). We are both fearful, and our discontent these days hasn't exactly united us toward common causes, which grieves me very much.

&changeyourmind
"Everybody's Gotta Learn Sometime"